The below web addresses are for King & Pierce County elections regarding voter resources. Jury pool information is received by the Superior courts from voter registrations and through Department of Licensing records and then distributed to the Municipal and District courts. If someone is deceased, they can be removed from the voter registration listing by contacting the following offices:

How are jurors chosen? Jurors' are selected at random from voter and/or drivers license registration records. A juror questionnaire is mailed to all prospective jurors to assure the potential juror is qualified to serve as a juror. A juror can be considered eligible when at least 18 years of age, a United States citizen, a resident of King or Pierce County, able to communicate in English, and if a convicted felon, must have had his/her civil rights restored. Appearance for jury duty if summoned is mandatory under state law - RCW 2.36.080, 2.36.100.

In the event you are summoned, please call the court after 3:00 pm on Friday before your scheduled service date for a recorded juror message at 253.929.1140 option #6. Occasionally, cases will settle before a scheduled jury trial and the recorded message will advise whether your appearance is necessary. If you fail to call and appear unnecessarily, you will not be paid.

Why should anyone serve on a jury? The right to trial by a jury of our fellow citizens is one of our most important rights and is guaranteed by the Washington State and United Statesconstitution. By serving on a jury, citizens are helping to preserve this freedom. A juror's responsibility is to listen to all the evidence presented at the trial and to decide the facts - - that is, make decisions on legal issues that come up during the trial. Most of the Pacific or Algona Municipal Court trials last one day and very rarely two days.

Your job as a juror is to listen to all the evidence presented at trial, then decide the facts -- decide what really happened. The judge’s job is to decide the law -- make decisions on legal issues that come up during the trial. All must do their job well if our system of trial by jury is to work

Other questions and Answers

How long will I serve?
Most of the cases heard in Pacific Municipal last one day. There are rarely instances when a case is continued to another day.

Can I go home during the trial?
Usually, but in extremely rare cases, you may be sequestered during the trial or during jury deliberations. This is done to assure the jurors don’t hear or see something about the case that was not mentioned in court.

Might I be called but not sit on a jury?
Yes. Sometimes parties in a case settle their differences only moments before the trial is scheduled to begin. In such instances you will be excused with the thanks of the court. Also, Pacific / Algona Municipal Court is a Court of Limited Jurisdiction with a jury size of only 6; however, more jurors are called as the attorneys have the right to excuse a potential juror.

What should I wear?
Dress comfortably. Suits, ties and other more formal wear are not necessary. But don’t get too informal -- beach wear, shorts, halter or tank tops are not appropriate in court. Hats are not allowed unless worn for religious purposes.

What if I am physically challenged?
Judges and employees of Washington courts are committed to making jury service accessible to everyone. Attempts to accommodate all jurors will be made. Remember: If you have a hearing, sight or mobility problem, ask a member of the court staff for help.

What about my job?
Washington law says employers shall provide an employee with sufficient leave of absence from employment when that employee is summoned for jury duty. It also says employers “shall not deprive an employee of employment or threaten, coerce or harass an employee or deny an employee promotional opportunities for serving as a juror”. It does not say your employer is required to pay wages while you serve. You will be paid $11.00 for each day of service.

What if I have an emergency?
Because your absence could delay a trial, it is important that you contact the court each day you are not available. If a real emergency occurs, a sudden illness, accident or death in the family, tell court staff immediately so that the trial can be scheduled around you.

What kind of cases do Pacific & Algona Municipal Court jurors hear?
Jurors will hear testimony and see or hear evidence regarding misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor cases such as DUI, theft, assault, driving while license suspended, etc. More serious felony cases such as robbery or homicide are handled in the Superior Court.

What happens during a Jury Trial?
Events in a trial usually happen in a particular order, though the order may be changed by the judge. This is the usual order of events:
• Step 1: Selection of the jury.
• Step 2: Opening statements
• Step 3: Presentation of evidence
• Step 4: Jury instructions
• Step 5: Closing arguments
• Step 6: Jury deliberations
• Step 7: Announcement of the verdict

Are jurors paid? After jury service is completed, Pacific & Algona Municipal Court will pay $11.00 per day for each day served.